EAST KENT FREEMASONS ATTEND EVENSONG AT CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral kindly invited all East Kent Freemasons, along with their family and friends to Choral Evensong at the Cathedral on Sunday 24th November 2024.
Storm Bert, which had wreaked havoc across the country in recent days, tried its best to spoil the occasion. The Cathedral precincts were closed to the general public and access to the Cathedral was severely restricted as a result of damage caused by the storm. But after several changes on the day to the arrangements and with excellent guidance from members of the Provincial Grand Chapter Stewards, over 500 Masons, their families, and friends found their way into the Cathedral to join members of the local community along with visitors to Canterbury for a splendid Choral Evensong.
This was a very special occasion and we were honoured with the presence of the High Sheriff of Kent; The Sheriff of Canterbury; Sir David Wootton, 2nd Grand Principal; other distinguished Freemasons together with Lady Masons.
We were made very welcome even before the service: The order of service recognised the support that Freemasons have provided to the Cathedral for many years.
The Introduction by the Dean talked of the strong relationship built with Freemasonry over many years stating:
“Freemasonry has been pleased to support Canterbury Cathedral for many years, helping to fund essential repairs to the building, and the training of a number of apprentice stonemasons. For example, the Coronation Window situated in the Martyrdom, which depicts Queen Elizabeth II with other members of the Royal Family at her coronation, was donated by the Freemasons of Kent in 1954. An earlier example is the East Window in the Chapter House, which was donated in 1896 by Freemasons, to mark the 1,300th anniversary of the landing in England of St. Augustine.
To mark the three-hundred-year celebration of Freemasonry in 2017, a major donation of £300,000 was made jointly by the Freemasons of East Kent, West Kent, Surrey and Sussex, to support the restoration of the Cathedral’s North West Transept.
Freemasonry’s strong support of this iconic Cathedral has a long history, which is sure to continue from generation to generation.”
Above: The Coronation Window situated in the Martyrdom
Left: The East Window in the Chapter House
The Dean led the Service and the first lesson was given by the Provincial Grand Master. The Dean acknowledged the presence of so many Freemasons and their families and thanked everyone for braving the weather and praised them for successfully finding their way into the Cathedral despite the challenges.
The full service can be found on the Canterbury Cathedral YouTube channel. The order of service can be downloaded here.
